The Top 10 Safest Countries To Visit

When you’re choosing your next adventure, safety is just as important as scenery, culture, and food. Many lists of the world’s safest countries draw on measures like the Global Peace Index, crime rate data, and overall quality of life to identify destinations that offer high levels of safety, political stability, good healthcare, and welcoming attitudes toward visitors.

These 10 options frequently appear among the 15 safest countries in the world, making them smart choices for safe travelers planning their next international trip.

1. Netherlands

The Netherlands often appears near the top when a country ranks highly on global peace and safety metrics, thanks to its low crime rate, strong healthcare system, and inclusive social policies. Major cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven perform well on indices that measure societal safety and security, giving travelers confidence whether they’re exploring museums or biking along canals in busy tourist areas.

Why it feels safe: Efficient public transport, well-lit streets, and a culture that values rule-following and community create a peaceful country atmosphere that feels approachable even for first-time international visitors.

Best for:

• First-time Europe trips

• Art, history, and architecture lovers

• Solo travelers and LGBTQIA+ travelers

2. Australia

Australia regularly ranks high on lists of the world’s safest countries, praised for low levels of violent crime, strict gun laws, and robust public health systems. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane balance modern infrastructure with a relaxed lifestyle that helps visitors feel secure as they move between urban centers and coastal tourist areas.

Why it feels safe: Clear safety regulations, reliable emergency services, and well-managed tourism hubs make it easy to enjoy beaches, the Outback, and wildlife adventures with strong travel safety standards in place.

Best for:

• Beach and reef vacations

• Adventure travel with good infrastructure

• Family trips and long-haul journeys

3. Austria

Among European countries, Austria is known for its peaceful cities, low crime rate, and very high quality of life. Vienna frequently appears on global rankings as one of the world’s most livable and peaceful country capitals, with clean streets, efficient public transport, and an orderly feel that visitors notice immediately.

Why it feels safe: Well-maintained public spaces, reliable trains, and a strong focus on culture and community contribute to high levels of safety for both locals and guests.

Best for:

• Christmas markets and alpine escapes

• Classical music and imperial history

• Families and older travelers

4. Iceland

Iceland, a sparsely populated island nation, is often ranked the safest country or close to the top in the Global Peace Index thanks to extremely low crime and strong social cohesion.

Even in Reykjavík, the capital, it’s common to see people walking around at night with ease, reinforcing its reputation as a peaceful country where everyday life feels secure.

Why it feels safe: A small population, strong community ties, and a culture of mutual trust mean societal safety and security are deeply embedded, making Iceland feel both rugged and reassuring at the same time.

Best for:

• Northern Lights and winter adventures

• Road trips and outdoor lovers

• Solo travelers seeking nature and tranquility

5. Canada

Canada consistently appears when analysts discuss the 15 safest countries in the world, combining a low rate of violent crime with a reputation for politeness and hospitality. Major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are multicultural, organized, and generally easy to navigate, with well-defined tourist areas and solid public transit.

Why it feels safe: Strong public institutions, reliable healthcare, and a calm political climate create high levels of safety that appeal to families and solo travelers alike.

Best for:

• National parks and scenic drives

• City breaks with a European feel closer to home

• Multi-generational family trips

6. New Zealand

New Zealand is beloved for its friendly locals, low crime rate, and well-regulated adventure tourism industry. Whether you’re bungee jumping in Queenstown or hiking in Fiordland, activity providers tend to take travel safety standards seriously, which is reassuring in a country known for adrenaline experiences.

Why it feels safe: A laid-back culture, tight-knit communities, and careful oversight of outdoor activities give travelers confidence to explore farther and push their comfort zones while still feeling protected.

Best for:

• Adventure seekers and hikers

• Road-trippers and campervan travelers

• Honeymooners wanting nature and privacy

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is often cited as a peaceful country for visitors due to very low street crime and modern infrastructure. In these major cities, travelers typically report feeling secure in public spaces, shopping malls, and tourist areas at all hours, supported by visible security and organized urban planning.

Why it feels safe: Heavy investment in security, surveillance, and public services, along with strict enforcement of laws, creates an environment that ranks high for travel safety in a fast-growing global hub.

Best for:

• Luxury city breaks

• Desert adventures with guides

• Short stopovers between Europe, Asia, and Africa

8. Switzerland

Switzerland combines political neutrality, excellent healthcare, and low crime, status markers that help it rank among the world’s safest countries year after year. Its cities and mountain towns are clean, efficient, and exceptionally well connected by public transport, making it easy for visitors to move between ski resorts, lakes, and historic centers.

Why it feels safe: Strong institutions, a culture of punctuality and order, and reliable infrastructure foster high levels of safety and minimize everyday travel hassles.

Best for:

• Scenic train journeys and alpine hiking

• Ski trips with reliable facilities

• High-end, slow-paced vacations

9. Japan

Japan is famous for extremely low levels of violent crime and a deeply ingrained culture of respect, which together support a very high perception of societal safety and security. Visitors often remark on how safe they feel walking through major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka late into the night, even in bustling entertainment districts.

Why it feels safe: Social norms that emphasize courtesy and rule-following, combined with efficient transport and organized urban design, create a peaceful country atmosphere in some of the world’s busiest places.

Best for:

• Food lovers and culture seekers

• Tech fans and pop-culture enthusiasts

• Solo travelers, including women traveling alone

10. Ireland

Ireland appears frequently on lists that track the 15 safest countries in the world, noted for its peaceful society and low rates of serious and violent crime. Friendly locals and a straightforward travel experience help visitors feel at ease while exploring both major cities and rural coastal routes.

Why it feels safe: A welcoming culture, English as a primary language, and solid tourism infrastructure across cities, villages, and remote regions combine to support a high quality of life for residents and a relaxed environment for visitors.

Best for:

• Road trips along the Wild Atlantic Way

• Pub culture and live music

• First-time Europe travel

How To Think About “Safe” Travel

Safety rankings and tools like the Global Peace Index are useful when comparing how a country ranks overall, but they don’t remove the need for common sense.

Even in destinations that rank among the world’s safest countries, basic precautions—like staying aware of your surroundings, using hotel safes, and avoiding risky behavior—go a long way in any region, including places where the United States ranks lower or higher than various European countries. It’s also wise to review government travel advisories, look at local crime rate trends in specific neighborhoods or major cities, and consider travel insurance that covers medical issues and trip interruptions.

Working with a knowledgeable travel advisor can help you weigh societal safety and security indicators, understand which areas within each country are best for tourists, and choose the right destination for your comfort level, travel style, and interests.

Plan Your Next Safe Getaway With Condor Tours & Travel

If travel safety is at the top of your checklist, you don’t have to sacrifice excitement or discovery to find a peaceful country that ranks high on global indices. The destinations above offer a powerful mix of low crime, strong institutions, and memorable experiences, from sparsely populated natural wonders to lively major cities.

At Condor Tours & Travel, our team can help you match your dream trip with a destination that fits your safety comfort zone, budget, and bucket list—whether you’re comparing European countries, considering the United Arab Emirates, or looking beyond where the United States ranks on lists of the world’s safest countries.

Ready to start planning a safe, stress-free adventure?

Contact our experienced travel advisors today to design a custom itinerary that lets you explore with confidence and enjoy the high levels of safety these destinations provide.